Aug 19, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is proud to announce a landmark achievement for its Football Academy, as two of its standout students have signed professional contracts with prestigious clubs in England and Europe.
Sixteen-year-old Yisa has signed with Sheffield Wednesday FC and already made his professional debut with the men’s first team, an extraordinary milestone that reflects both his talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Charlie has taken his career international, signing with Almuñecar City, part of Málaga CF in Spain, further underlining the Academy’s growing reputation as a pathway to the professional game.
Their individual success builds on an exceptional year for the Football Academy. Yisa played a starring role in the U16 West Yorkshire Cup triumph, scoring four goals during the campaign, and was instrumental in the team’s run to the last 32 of the ESFA Cup. Charlie, meanwhile, was central to the U18 side’s impressive season, helping the team to win the U18 West Yorkshire Cup, reach the finals of the ISFA Cup, and advance to the quarter-finals of the ESFA Cup.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the players’ commitment and the Academy’s ethos:
“Yisa and Charlie are shining examples of what hard work, resilience, and talent can achieve. To see them move into the professional game at such a young age is a source of pride for the entire school community. Their success also inspires the next generation of Ackworth players coming through.”
Head of Sport, James Bower, echoed this pride, highlighting the Academy’s broader impact:
“These achievements reflect not only the exceptional ability of our students, but also the strength of our football programme as a whole. Balancing academic excellence with sporting success is at the heart of what we do at Ackworth, and Yisa and Charlie’s journeys show just how far that balance can take our pupils.”
Ackworth School’s Football Academy continues to establish itself as one of the country’s leading independent school football programmes – nurturing talent, delivering results, and now celebrating the success of two young professionals embarking on exciting careers.
Aug 14, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Old Scholar, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the achievements of our 2025 A-Level and BTEC students, whose dedication, growth, and resilience reflect the strength of both our academic environment and our caring, inclusive ethos.
This year’s results speak not only of high academic attainment but also of the many ways our students have flourished, through their creativity, leadership, community engagement, and personal development. 43.1% of our results were at grades A* to B, which as a non-selective school is outstanding. Of particular note are our results in English Literature, with 100% of our Y13 cohort achieving grades A* – B.
Students across the school have excelled in a wide range of subjects, from the sciences and humanities to the arts and vocational courses. Among the many success stories, Noah achieved A*A*A in English, Music and History and will go on to study Music at the University of Cambridge, Joel achieved A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and will study Medicine at the University of Manchester and Francis achieved AAB in Psychology, English and History and has secured a place at Durham University to study Combined Social Sciences.
Our first BTEC Sport cohort have excelled with superb results across the board. A special mention must go to Taha from our Football Academy who was awarded D*DD – 1 Distinction star and 2 Distinctions (equivalent to A*AA at A-Level) and has a place at UEL to study Sport and Exercise Science.
These individual journeys show that success at Ackworth takes many forms, and every student’s path is valued and celebrated.
Our commitment to holistic education means that our students leave with more than just qualifications. Through an extensive co-curricular programme, they have developed leadership skills, resilience, and creativity, whether on the sports field, in the concert hall, on stage, or through service in the community. Many have contributed to charitable projects, taken part in national competitions, or pursued passions that will shape their future careers.
Reflecting on the Class of 2025, Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said:
“We are immensely proud of every one of our students. Their achievements are the result of hard work, determination, and the support of our dedicated staff. At Ackworth, we measure success not only by exam results, but by the character, confidence, and curiosity our students take with them into the world.”
Looking ahead, as the Class of 2025 moves forward, they bring with them a range of destinations, from top universities and specialist colleges, to apprenticeships and gap-year opportunities. They join a supportive Old Scholar network that roots their achievements in our wider Ackworth community, and they carry with them the values that have guided their time here – non sibi sed omnibus (Not for oneself, but for all) – as they make their mark in the world beyond Ackworth. We wish them every success in life as they carry forward the values, skills, and friendships forged here with them.
About Ackworth School:
Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school in West Yorkshire, offering day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1779, the school is committed to nurturing individual talent and promoting academic excellence within a caring and supportive environment.
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Tuesday 23 September 2025 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621 to arrange a bespoke visit.
Aug 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form
We are deeply saddened to hear the news regarding Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all pupils, parents, and staff as they navigate this unsettling and uncertain time.
At Ackworth School, our priority is to provide warmth, care, and a sense of belonging for every child. We understand how challenging change can be — especially when it comes unexpectedly — and we are committed to making transitions as smooth as possible.
As a co-educational boarding and day school, we take pride in ensuring every pupil is known, nurtured, and encouraged to thrive. Many pupils who join Ackworth quickly come to think of our campus as their “happy place” — a safe, inspiring environment where they can flourish academically, socially, and personally.
We offer:
- A nurturing, values-led community built on kindness and respect
- Tailored academic support for pupils transitioning from other schools
- Excellent boarding provision with flexible options for families
- A rich co-curricular programme encouraging pupils to lead, create, and achieve
- An inclusive co-educational environment where every child is encouraged to grow in confidence
If you are exploring the next chapter for your child, we are here to guide and support you. Please contact James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications via WhatsApp on 07874 452377 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Jun 14, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form
We are truly saddened by the closure of Queen Margaret’s School and the uncertainty it brings to so many families. At Ackworth School, we want to offer support, care and a sense of belonging during this time of change.
Ackworth is a co-educational boarding and day school where every pupil is known, nurtured and encouraged to thrive. Many girls joining us from single-sex schools quickly come to call our campus their happy space — a place where they feel safe, confident and inspired.
We offer:
A nurturing, values-led community
Tailored academic support for transitioning pupils
Excellent boarding provision and flexible options
A full co-curricular programme where girls are encouraged to lead and achieve
A vibrant, inclusive co-ed community rooted in kindness and confidence
If you’re exploring options for your daughter’s next chapter, we’re here for you. You can call James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications directly on WhatsApp: 07874 452377 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Mar 26, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
Dec 9, 2024 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
